326 OFF FOR THE SOTIK DISTRICT. 



tip of the tail is decorated with a tuft of black hair. This tuft 

 serves to distinguish the lion from any other member of the cat 

 tribe. 



The male, when full grown, is furnished with a thick and 

 shaggy mane of very long hair, which falls from the neck, shoulders, 

 and part of the throat and chin, varying in tint according to the age 

 of the animal, and possibly according to the locality which it inhabits. 

 The lioness possesses no mane, and even in the male it is not properly 

 developed tmtil the animal has completed his third year. 



When fully grown, the male measures some four feet in height 

 at the shoulder, and about eleven feet in total length. These meas- 

 urements are only applicable to the noble animals which have passed 

 their lives in the free air of their native land, and have attained 

 their majority with limbs unshackled and spirits unbroken. 



THE LIONESS MORE TO BE FEARED THAN THE LION. 



The lioness is a smaller animal than her mate, and the difference 

 of size appears to be much greater than really is the case, because 

 she is devoid of the thick mane which gives such grandeur and dig- 

 nity to her spouse. Although smaller in size, she is quite as terrible 

 in combat; and, indeed, the lioness is ofttimes a foe much more to 

 be dreaded than the lion. When she has a little family to look after, 

 Lesena is a truly fearful enemy to those who cross her path, assum- 

 ing at once the offensive, and charging the intruders with a fierce 

 courage that knows no fear and heeds no repulse. 



Of the character of the lion, opinions the most opposite have 

 been promulgated. 



Until later days he was considered to be the very type of fiery 

 courage and kingly generosity, indomitable in conflict with the 

 strong, but merciful in sparing the weak and defenseless. Latterly, 

 however, writers have passed to the opposite extreme, speaking of 

 the lion as a cowardly, sneaking animal, and have even gone so far 

 as to declare him to be no more formidable than a mastiff. It must 

 be remarked that these opposite ideas have been put forth by men 

 of practical experience, who have been personally acquainted with 

 the king of beasts in his own domains. 



